ABC host quits live on air after almost ten years hosting one of the national broadcaster’s biggest shows

ABC radio host Sabra Lane has fired a parting shot at Australia’s politicians as she announced her departure from one of the national broadcaster’s flagship shows.

Lane, who has fronted Radio National’s flagship daily AM program since 2017, made the announcement she was leaving the program on Wednesday.   

‘When I was approached to anchor AM it was a dream come true. I was asked to commit to presenting the program for two electoral cycles, preferably three, and I’ve done three. This has been my ninth year hosting the program, but my body is saying ‘enough’,’ Lane began. 

‘Dear listener, thank you for sharing your mornings with me. I’ve kept you in the forefront of my mind while framing questions, in interviewing political leaders and in trying to explain this crazy world we live in.’

During her last minutes on air, Lane fired a parting shot at the politicians who had frequented her radio show for almost a decade.

‘I wish that you’d abandon the political messaging and flowery language. Please, be honest, clear and accountable – that’s what the public wants,’ she said. 

She also extended the advice to her listeners, imploring them to ‘please be kind.’ 

‘In a world of instant judgement, give people the benefit of the doubt. Kindness costs nothing. And broaden your horizons; not everything in the world is bad,’ she said. 

ABC radio host Sabra Lane (pictured) has fired a parting shot at Australia’s politicians as she quit the national broadcaster live on air

Lane, who has fronted Radio National’s flagship daily AM program since 2017, made the announcement on Wednesday

However, it appears the decision had been a long time coming for Hobart-based Lane, after rumours of her departure began circulating earlier this year.

In August, the radio host reportedly told bosses she would be leaving as she has ‘become frustrated with the quality of the program’, as reported by The Australian.

‘Sabra’s finally had enough of it and given [news boss Justin] Stevens notice that she is leaving and that, basically, they need to find another host ASAP,’ one insider said.

‘She’s fed up with the quality of the program and the constant under-resourcing of the show.

‘Most days, AM sounds like an extended news bulletin with very little exclusive content other than drops – and that’s not what Sabra signed on for.

‘Despite all the promises from management about reinvesting in radio, nothing is changing.’ 

Lane joined the ABC in 2008 as a reporter in the press gallery at Parliament House, before becoming a political correspondent for ABC Television’s 7.30 program in 2013.

She returned to radio in 2017, succeeding Michael Brissenden as host of AM.

Lane is expected to take a period of extended leave before returning to a new role with the ABC next year.

The ABC confirmed this morning that the next presenter for AM will be announced ‘in due course’.